The 1DX and Canon's excellent lenses has enabled capture of images I only dreamed of in the past. We are so fortunate to have access to equipment with such outstanding capabilities. ISO 5,000 with next to no noise, did not think possible in the past, but I shoot at that ISO frequently. I refer to the 1DX as my nocturnal camera. Fast autofocus that can track ducks and birds with rapid random motion, just can't believe how good it is. The Bufflehead is a great example of how fast the focus can lock on. I only was on this bird for a fraction of a second before the image was taken. I really didn't think I had captured it. Anyone who has photographed these birds knows how fast they accelerate and fly.

I don't profess to be an expert at setting up a 1DX or the 5D Mk III, but what generally works for me is to use the manual selection of the AF point along with AF Point expansion, top/bottom/left/right for rapidly moving subjects or no expansion point when I really want to force the camera to focus at a particular spot. I still have yet to decide which AF case best fits the type of action. If I'm finding that a particular case is not working well, I change it to one that might. Anyone care to offer their suggestions as to what AF case number they think works best for particular action shots?

The biggest issue I've found with the images shot with the 600 mm lens at close focus (less than 25 feet), is its shallow dept of field. If the focus is not spot on, the shot is lost.

Photographing the Grebes has been fun, challenging and an education. They have become so accustomed to me that I can get closer than 15' to them without them being upset.

Thanks to all of you how post images on this forum. This is a group of outstanding photographers!

Sharp Shot, you're new here as I relatively am. I must say that your photos and demeanor are worthy of emulating. You have just instantly become one of my most admired photographers on this forum.

The 600 (I don't have one and don't intend to own one) is just out-of-this-world! The sharpness of the lens is as expected and the OOF area on those images are just perfect! You absolutely hit the nail on the head with your focus point/s! Keep shooting and keep sharing! Thanks again!

Once again a subtle use of light to produce an atmospheric picture. I particularly like the way you've allowed the two people to lie on the extreme rear plane of focus, giving sharp foreground. I presume you've focused on the slab of meat or even the apples.

Careful with them smokers, eml58! Nicotine sticks to the gear and will deteriorate their value faster than all those safaris you go to! Besides, we all know second-hand smoke is just as bad! Another great shot...remarkable colors...they paint the mood of the photo!